This course assumes no prior knowledge in law, business or engineering. However, students with backgrounds in all three areas will find useful concepts or ideas in the course on how to protect business innovations using patents. The approach taken in this course is practical and commercial rather than theoretical. A combination of lectures and case studies help to illustrate the concepts and make the course more interesting.
After completing this course, students should be able to understand how patents are issued and protect innovations, including: What is a patent? What do they protect? How do we get a patent? Where are patents valid? How much do they cost?
In addition to basic concepts the course also deals with advanced topics such as: software patents, business process patents, patenting life, patent trolls and multiple case examples of large and small companies using patents and patent lawsuits.
We also expect you to have fun in this course. So go forth and enjoy!

From the lesson

Introduction to Patents

Welcome to Protecting Business Innovations via Patents! Why are patents so important? You will learn about the basics of patents and how they are useful in protecting innovation as well as some of the limitations and costs of patents. This first module allows you to "survey the buffet". Before you start your survey of Patents, take some time to review the assignments, grading and general course guidelines for this course. Also, don't forget to introduce yourself and say hello to your fellow learners.